GIVEWELL UK
We promote charities that save and improve lives the most per dollar as identified by the U.S. organisation GiveWell. We raise funds on their behalf and make grants to further their life improving and life saving programs.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net surplus of £965,331 for the year ended 31 December 2025, with unrestricted reserves increasing to £1,078,670. The trustees confirm the charity has adequate resources to continue as a going concern, supported by a letter of support from its sole member, GiveWell US. The charity does not maintain a reserves policy due to this ongoing financial support.
What the accounts disclose
“Donations receivable 20,332,350” — page 16
“During the year, GiveWell UK (pursuant to its discretion) made grant commitments of £19,335,560 (2024: £3,240,913) to GiveWell US, its sole member. At the year end £2,838,490 (2024: £1,053,357) was owed to GiveWell US by GiveWell UK, pursuant to the Framework Agreement.” — page 19
“The current year's intercompany operating charge totalled £117,686 (2024: £83,558), being expenditure recharged from GiveWell US to GiveWell UK in respect of staff time and invoices paid on GiveWell UK's behalf.”
“During the year, GiveWell UK (pursuant to its discretion) made grant commitments of £19,335,560 (2024: £3,240,913) to GiveWell US, its sole member. At the year end £2,838,490 (2024: £1,053,357) was owed to GiveWell US by GiveWell UK, pursuant to the Framework Agreement.” — page 19
“The current year's intercompany operating charge totalled £117,686 (2024: £83,558), being expenditure recharged from GiveWell US to GiveWell UK in respect of staff time and invoices paid on GiveWell UK's behalf.”
“During the year, GiveWell UK (pursuant to its discretion) made grant commitments of £19,335,560 (2024: £3,240,913) to GiveWell US, its sole member. At the year end £2,838,490 (2024: £1,053,357) was owed to GiveWell US by GiveWell UK, pursuant to the Framework Agreement.” — page 19
“The current year's intercompany operating charge totalled £117,686 (2024: £83,558), being expenditure recharged from GiveWell US to GiveWell UK in respect of staff time and invoices paid on GiveWell UK's behalf.”
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/12/2025)
Trustees
- Elie Hassenfeldchair
- David House
- LUKE DING
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £20.5m | £19.5m |
| 31/12/2024 | £3.5m | £3.2m |
| 31/12/2023 | £10.1m | £10.2m |
| 31/12/2022 | £5.2m | £5.3m |
Common questions
Is GIVEWELL UK financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net surplus of £965,331 for the year ended 31 December 2025, with unrestricted reserves increasing to £1,078,670. The trustees confirm the charity has adequate resources to continue as a going concern, supported by a letter of support from its sole member, GiveWell US. The charity does not maintain a reserves policy due to this ongoing financial support. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by UHY Hacker Young.
Who funds GIVEWELL UK?
Funders whose own accounts filings name GIVEWELL UK as a grant recipient include THE MASTER CHARITABLE TRUST, PRISM THE GIFT FUND.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE MASTER CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2025 | £4.6m | Advancement of education / Public benefit |
| THE MASTER CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2023 | £2.1m | |
| PRISM THE GIFT FUND | FY2025 | £965k | Good Health and Well-Being |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| EFFECTIVE VENTURES FOUNDATION | 1 | £4.9m |
| BREAKTHROUGH FOUNDATION | 1 | £2.0m |
| THE EDWARD GOSTLING FOUNDATION | 1 | £1.0m |
| THE MURIEL AND GERSHON COREN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | 1 | £100k |
| B K CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £72k |
| THE JMCMRJ SORRELL FOUNDATION | 1 | £50k |
| BETTENHURST CHARITY LIMITED | 1 | £31k |
| THE VIVIENNE AND SAMUEL COHEN CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £14k |
Charities like this
- UK GIVES LTD
- GIVING WHAT WE CAN UK
- GOFUNDME.ORG.UK
- GLOBAL GIVING UK
- THE WELDON UK CHARITABLE TRUST
- CHAPEL & YORK UK FOUNDATION LIMITED
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIVEWELL UK | £20.5m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| UK GIVES LTD | £1.5m | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| GIVING WHAT WE CAN UK | £8.8m | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |
| GOFUNDME.ORG.UK | £227k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| GLOBAL GIVING UK | £3.3m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE WELDON UK CHARITABLE TRUST | £259k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |